cover
Contact Name
-
Contact Email
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Phone
+62895600103060052
Journal Mail Official
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Editorial Address
School of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
Location
Kota banda aceh,
Aceh
INDONESIA
Narra J
ISSN : -     EISSN : 28072618     DOI : https://doi.org/10.52225/narraj
Core Subject : Health, Science,
Narra J is a multidisciplinary journal and it is published three times (April, August, December) a year. The objective is to promote articles on infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. Narra J publishes original research work across all disciplines of medicine and allied sciences, related to infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. The journal publishes Original articles, Short Report, Review articles, and Letters to the Editor. All articles published in Narra J are peer-reviewed and published online for immediate access and citation. Narra J publishes the primary research papers, review articles, short communications and letters on topics but not limited to: Public health Global health Infection Tropical diseases One health Biomedical sciences Epidemiology and clinical epidemiology Molecular biology Environmental health Microbiology Pharmacological sciences Diseases in tropics
Articles 565 Documents
Varicella challenges: A case of respiratory tract complications in an elderly patient Rahmi, Alfina M.; Prakasita, Karine A.; Damayanti, Damayanti
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1150

Abstract

Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is rarely reported in the elderly but often complicates with pneumonia. In this case report, we present a case of varicella pneumonia in the elderly. A 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with vesicles filled with clear fluid that had appeared all over the body for the past four days. The patient also reported fever, headache, pain when swallowing, and itching. Initially, the rash consisted of pink macules that progressed to papules, vesicles, pustules, and crusts. The patient experienced a cough and shortness of breath one day before the hospital visit but did not report any chest or abdominal pain. Notably, the patient’s two grandchildren had a history of chickenpox. The patient had been living with diabetes for five years and was undergoing treatment with insulin injections. The patient was also an active smoker for 40 years. On physical examination, several vesicles with varying degrees of redness were observed, along with yellow-black crusts, pustules, and erosions. Diagnostic tests revealed multinucleated giant cells on a Tzanck smear; pulmonary inflammation with thickening of the right hilum on a chest X-ray; extended-spectrum beta-lactamases Klebsiella pneumoniae in the sputum culture; and elevated hemoglobin A1c, blood sugar level, and liver and kidney function markers on laboratory examination. Based on the clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with varicella, community-acquired pneumonia, diabetes, acute renal failure, and elevated transaminase enzymes. The patient was treated with acyclovir, paracetamol, salicylate 2% powder, fusidic acid 2% cream, moxifloxacin, N-acetylcysteine, curcuma, and insulin. The patient’s clinical condition improved, the complaint of dyspnea decreased, and the patient was discharged to outpatient care after eight days of hospitalization. This case highlights that while varicella is rare in the elderly, it often presents with severe varicella pneumonia, making early detection and comprehensive management essential to prevent complications and mortality.
Can a combination of nanofat and freeze-dried human amniotic membrane enhance full-thickness wound healing? An animal study using rabbit models Hidayati, Citra A.; Saputro, Iswinarno D.; Budi, Agus S.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1157

Abstract

Previous studies have explored nanofat stimulating tissue regeneration and maturation, promoting remodeling through its rich content of growth factors and stem cells; however, comprehensive data on its use in full-thickness wounds remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining nanofat with freeze-dried human amniotic membrane (FDHAM) for treating full-thickness wounds in a rabbit model. An animal experimental study using a post-test control group design was conducted. Thirty-six male New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (received a combination of nanofat and FDHAM) and the control group (received FDHAM alone). Each group was subdivided to evaluate effects on days 3 and 7. Macroscopic evaluations of wound healing, microscopic assessment of epithelialization and measurement of epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in the wounds were conducted on days 3 and 7 post-injury. The present study indicated that the combination treatment significantly elevated EGF levels in the wounds on both days 3 and 7 (with p<0.001 for both assessment time points). The combination of nanofat-FDHAM did not significantly accelerate epithelialization on either day 3 or 7. This study highlights that combining nanofat with FDHAM did not significantly speed up epithelialization of full-thickness wounds within the first seven days; however, it notably increased EGF levels, suggesting that nanofat may enhance the wound's biological environment.
Dual sgRNA-directed knock out survivin gene expression using CRISPR/Cas9 technology for editing survivin gene in triple-negative breast cancer Syahrani, Resda A.; Wanandi, Septelia I.; Arumsari, Sekar; Nihayah, Silviatun; Watanabe, Yukihide; Mizuno, Seiya; Louisa, Melva; Wuyung, Puspita E.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1177

Abstract

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) offers a robust approach for genome manipulation, particularly in cancer therapy. Given its high expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), targeting survivin with CRISPR/Cas9 holds promise as a therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to design specific single guide ribonucleic acid (sgRNA) for CRISPR/Cas9 to permanently knock out the survivin gene, exploring its potential as a therapeutic approach in breast cancer while addressing potential off-target effects. Survivin gene knockout was conducted in the TNBC cell line BT549. Intron 1, exon 2, and intron 2 of the survivin gene were selected as sgRNA targets. These sgRNAs were designed in silico and then cloned into a CRISPR/Cas9 expression plasmid. The cleavage activity was assessed using an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression plasmid. The sgRNAs with higher cleavage activity were selected for the establishment of knockout cells. After transfecting the plasmid into the cells, the success of the survivin gene knockout was validated at the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) level using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analysis, and at the protein expression level using Western blotting. The study found that sgRNAs survin1A (targeting intron 1), survex2A (targeting intron 2), and survin2A (targeting intron 2) demonstrated higher cleavage activities compared to the other sgRNAs. However, using the single sgRNA, survex2A did not generate mutations in the survivin gene. At the protein level, survivin was still expressed, indicating that a single sgRNA was ineffective in knocking out the survivin gene. In contrast, the combination of sgRNA survin1A and sgRNA survin2A was more effective in generating mutations in the survivin gene, resulting in the deletion of the entire exon 2 and leading to a loss of survivin protein expression. In conclusion, our work provides specific sgRNAs and demonstrates the utilization of dual sgRNAs strategy in the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out the survivin gene, showing potential in breast cancer therapy.
Unraveling the power of peptides from Cucumaria frondosa coelomic fluid as multitarget therapy of diabetic kidney disease: An in-silico study Rita, Rauza S.; Cuandra, Kevin N.; Nasri, Syahidatul A.; Carmenita, Mutiara A.; Kristaningtyas, Nathania A.; Rasendriya, Daffa Z.; Maulana, Rafi; Hibatullah, Muhammad N.; Yahono, Angela S.; Afdhal, Fitrah; Ibrahim, Filzatuz Z.; Nayu, Balqist K.; Teguh, Muhammad
Narra J Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): April 2025
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v5i1.1180

Abstract

Diabetic kidney disease is a condition characterized by persistent albuminuria, diabetic glomerular lesions, and a reduced glomerular filtration rate in people with diabetes. Peptides in Cucumaria frondosa coelomic fluid have been proven to provide antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity that can be used as one of the innovations in developing a multitarget therapy, especially in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to unravel the power of peptide-based metabolites from C. frondosa coelomic fluid as multitarget therapy for diabetic kidney disease using an in-silico study. UCSF Chimera software was utilized to construct the three-dimensional structure of coelomic fluid peptides from C. frondosa. The toxicity and allergenicity of peptides were examined using the ToxinPred and AllerTop websites, respectively. From the PDBJ database, the 3D structures of protein kinase B, alpha isoform (AKT1); vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2); epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); α-glucosidase; and glucokinase were obtained. Molecular docking was carried out using MOE Software. In this in-silico study, peptide 9 (-10.32 kcal/mol), peptide 1 (-9.41 kcal/mol), and peptide 3 (-9.55 kcal/mol) were shown to act as specific adenosine triphosphate-competitive inhibitors of EGFR, AKT1, and VEGFR2, respectively. Peptide 8 (-11.06 kcal/mol) can specifically inhibit α-glucosidase by binding to its active site. Peptide 1 (-9.80 kcal/mol) is predicted to specifically inhibit glucokinase activity by blocking its active side. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions with receptor proteins. In conclusion, C. frondosa coelomic fluid peptides have been shown not only to alleviate diabetic kidney disease but also to stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia based on in-silico analysis.
Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke: Investigations on VEGF and GFAP expression Silvana, Sisca; Japardi, Iskandar; Rusda, Muhammad; Daulay, Rini S.; Putra, Agung; Mangunatmadja, Irawan; Darlan, Dewi M.; Sofyani, Sri; Andreas, Yana
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1181

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a sudden onset of neurological deficit resulting from a blockage in cerebral blood vessels, which can lead to brain tissue damage, chronic disability, and increased risk of mortality. Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (SH-MSC) is a potential therapy to improve neurological deficit by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reducing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These effects can reduce the infarction area of ischemic stroke. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 150 μL and 300 μL SH-MSC injection on VEGF and GFAP expression as well as the improvement of infarction area in ischemic stroke animal model. A post-test-only experimental design with consecutive sampling was used, with Rattus norvegicus as subjects. Stromal mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) were isolated from the umbilical cords of rats at 21 days of gestation. Secretome production by the S-MSCs was induced under a hypoxic condition, and subsequently isolated. The resultant secretome was administered to rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) at doses of 150 μL (P1 group) and 300 μL (P2 group). The results showed that the infarction area was reduced in P1 (p<0.001) and P2 groups (p<0.001). SH-MSC at a dose of 300 μL increased the expression of VEGF (p=0.028) and reduced the expression of GFAP (p=0.001). In conclusion, secretome from hypoxic S-MSC could potentially improve ischemic stroke by upregulating VEGF expression and downregulating GFAP expression.
Complex medical conditions and health risk behaviors among homeless males with schizophrenia Rojanaworarit, Chanapong; Songsiripradubboon, Siriporn; Worahan, Viparut; Kerdpon, Piyarat; Photisan, Nuttawoot
Narra J Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): April 2025
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v5i1.1194

Abstract

A comprehensive assessment of complex medical conditions and health risk behaviors among homeless individuals with schizophrenia facilitates the identification of health needs and areas for improvement in health services, thereby promoting more holistic care for this highly vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to assess complex medical conditions and health risk behaviors among Thai homeless males with schizophrenia. Additionally, factors related to the presence of multimorbidity in these vulnerable individuals were explored. Using a cross-sectional design, the study identified the prevalence of systemic diseases, physical disabilities, co-occurring mental disorders, and health risk behaviors among Thai homeless males with schizophrenia at the largest public homeless shelter in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Factors related to the presence of multimorbidity among these individuals were analyzed using univariable and multivariable generalized linear models for binomial response data with an identity link function to estimate prevalence difference (PD). Among 231 homeless males with schizophrenia, the prevalence of multimorbidity was 35.9%. Disease-specific prevalence was dominated by epilepsy (21.6%) and anemia (10.8%). About 38.4% of participants were underweight. The most common health risk behaviors included smoking (71.5%) and alcohol consumption (23.7%). Physical disabilities and co-occurring mental disorders were identified in 11.7% of participants, while 5.7% reported a history of suicide attempts. Underweight individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of multimorbidity compared to those with normal weight (adjusted PD (95%CI): 0.150 (0.017–0.823)). The study highlights that the substantial burden of complex medical conditions and health risk behaviors in this population underscores the need for a healthcare system that is not only reactive but also proactive. Such a system should prioritize health promotion and disease prevention to effectively safeguard the well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
Exploring the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties of phloroglucinol on pancreatic cells in diabetic models: In silico and in vivo study Puspitasari, Renny N.; I'tishom, Reny; Kurnijasanti, Rochmah; Mustafa, Mohammad R.; Sudjarwo, Sri A.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1211

Abstract

Pancreatic cell damage in diabetes mellitus is closely linked to inflammation and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of phloroglucinol on pancreatic cells in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic model by assessing its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Phloroglucinol ligand and the structures of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins were sourced from the PubChem database. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Tools and docking results were analyzed with PyRx software. In addition, during the in vivo study, the BALB/c mice were grouped into four categories: healthy control, untreated streptozotocin-induced diabetic, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic treated with two doses of oral phloroglucinol at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight. After 28 days, pancreatic tissues were collected for flow cytometric analysis of NF-κB, IL-6, TNF-α, and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3). The docking simulations revealed specific binding interactions: phloroglucinol interacted with Bcl-2 via amino acid residues of ALA90 and TYR139, with Bax via ALA42, LEU45, ALA46, LEU47, PRO130, and ILE133, and with caspase-3 through ARG64, SER120, GLN161, CYS163, and ARG207. The binding affinities for Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 were -5.0, -4.7, and -4.9 kcal/mol, respectively. In vivo, results showed that streptozotocin significantly elevated inflammatory cytokines NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6, along with apoptotic markers in pancreatic cells (p<0.05) compared to healthy controls. Phloroglucinol administration at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6 levels. Phloroglucinol also prevented streptozotocin-induced pancreatic cell damage through anti-apoptotic effects by downregulating Bax and caspase-3 and upregulating Bcl-2. These findings suggest that phloroglucinol may offer protective benefits in diabetic conditions by modulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways.
Comparative effectiveness of microsurgery and endoscopic surgery in lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review and meta-analysis Arifin, Jainal; Gani, Karina Sylvana; Kennedy, Dave
Narra J Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): April 2025
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v5i1.1214

Abstract

Lumbar disc herniation, a common degenerative disc disease, adversely affects quality of life and often necessitates surgical intervention. Microsurgery and endoscopic surgery have emerged as alternatives to traditional open surgery, offering reduced pain and shorter recovery times. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of microsurgery and endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation, evaluating effectiveness, safety, and patient-reported outcomes. A systematic search was conducted across six databases (EBSCOhost, OVID, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane) using terms related to lumbar disc herniation, spine injury, minimally invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery, and conventional microscopic discectomy. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and a random-effects meta-analysis calculated mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the 267 studies screened, two studies met the inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis assessing the functional outcomes and safety of microsurgery and endoscopic surgery in patients with spinal disorders. The meta-analysis indicated that patients who received microscopic surgery had no significant difference in terms of operation time (MD: 3.48; 95%CI: -14.74 –21.70; p=0.71; I²=90%), postoperative drainage (MD: 16.28; 95%CI: -2.33–34.89; p=0.09; I²=47%), postoperative length of stay (MD: -1.26; 95%CI: -2.52–0.00; p=0.05; I²=77%), and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (MD: -13.49; 95%CI: -36.85–9.87; p=0.26; I²= 97%) compared to those treated with endoscopic surgery. In conclusion, microscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery yield similar outcomes in terms of operation time, postoperative drainage, postoperative length of stay, and postoperative CRP levels. Therefore, the choice of techniques should be guided by patient-specific factors, surgeon expertise, and the facilities available at the healthcare center.
Effects of iopromide contrast agents on kidney iNOS expression and tubular histopathology alterations Pranoto, Indrianto W.; Djojodimejo, Tarmono; Soebadi , Mohammad A.; Rahaju, Anny S.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1227

Abstract

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury is a common complication marked by reduced kidney function within 48 hours of contrast administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate renal function, anatomy, and molecular changes at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours post-iodinated contrast media (ICM) administration. This true-experimental study used a post-test-only control group design. Rats underwent unilateral nephrectomy, followed by intravenous injection of ICM using iopromide 370 mg iodine/mL per rat at a dose of 231 mg iodine, and were then divided into four groups: control (C), rats terminated at 24 hours after iopromide administration (E24), rats terminated at 48 hours after iopromide administration (E48), and rats terminated at 72 hours (E72) after iopromide administration, with eight rats per group. Renal function (BUN and SCr levels) remained unchanged after 24, 48, and 72 hours of iopromide administration. Iopromide increased renal tubular damage, as shown by higher histopathological scores for loss of brush border and tubular necrosis, except for proteinaceous casts, where histopathological scores increase especially within the first 24 hours and decrease after 72 hours. Iopromide significantly altered iNOS expression in the glomerulus at 24 and 48 hours, and iNOS expression was decreased after 72 hours. iNOS expression in the intrarenal vascular and tubules was unaffected by iopromide administration. In conclusion, this study found no changes in renal function parameters, improvement in proteinaceous casts, and increased iNOS expression in the glomerulus, offering new insights into the effects of contrast on kidneys.
Toxicity assessment and bioimaging potential of carbon dots synthesized from banana peel in zebrafish model Wijayanti, Ni PAD.; Permatasari, Fitri A.; Damayanti, Sophi; Anggadiredja, Kusnandar; Iskandar, Fery; Wibowo, Indra; Rachmawati, Heni
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1228

Abstract

Zebrafish serve as a pivotal model for bioimaging and toxicity assessments; however, the toxicity of banana peel-derived carbon dots in zebrafish has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to assess the toxicity of carbon dots derived from banana peel in zebrafish, focusing on two types prepared through hydrothermal and pyrolysis methods. Banana peels were synthesized using hydrothermal and pyrolysis techniques and then compared for characteristics, bioimaging ability, and toxicity in zebrafish as an animal model. Pyrolysis-derived banana peel and hydrothermal-derived banana peel showed blue emission under ultraviolet light, indicating excitation-dependent behavior. To test their potential application for bioimaging, a soaking method was used using zebrafish that showed fluorescence intensity in the eyes, abdomen, and tail of zebrafish. Toxicity comparison showed that pyrolysis-derived banana peel had lower toxicity with 50% lethal concentrations (LC50) of 1707.3 ppm than hydrothermal-derived banana peel (LC50 993 ppm) in zebrafish. Both types of carbon dots showed significant differences (p<0.05) in hatching rates at 96 and 120 hours of exposure. Of the two methods for carbon dot synthesis from banana peel, the pyrolysis method had a higher toxicity threshold than the hydrothermal method, as indicated by the LC50 value and the number of zebrafish embryos that died, hatched delayed, and experienced malformation during their development.